🔗 Share this article

2K Games has secured Ben Brinkman from Respawn Entertainment to oversee the studio crew at their internal studio, which is currently developing the upcoming over-the-shoulder action-packed title known as Project Ethos.

Management Transition Comes After Mixed Reception

Brinkman assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of previous head Michael Condrey, who was removed from his post due to Project Ethos' disappointing unveiling last fall.

Recently, the company's top executive David Ismailer informed team members about this decision through an internal memo, which stressed that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a more defined game identity.

Ismailer stated that the team is now reimagining Project Ethos with a revised approach, aiming to address community desires.

A Pattern of Strategic Recruitment

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from Blizzard to work on the BioShock development group.

Below is the complete text from the president's announcement:

Team—

I know you all just completed your gathering - I trust you’re as thrilled as I am with the good news. Last time I sent you all a note, I stated the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most motivated and talented creators we have had the pleasure to collaborate with - and we’re eager for that partnership to continue.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the last year, you repeatedly show that.

The gamer responses from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was informative. It affirmed the promise of a action-packed game but indicated we still had improvements to make. It revealed the need for a sharper identity.

The progress is encouraging to see how far you’ve come. You took the input to consideration and overhauled Project ETHOS with a revitalized goal - one that’s positioned to deliver on its potential to our players.

Our confidence in this project grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I’m excited to announce Ben Brinkman as the incoming Studio Head of the team. After a period of conversations, Ben comes aboard us on next week.

His leadership and experience in the PVP shooter field is extensive, having devoted the past decade and a half developing and leading some of the most popular franchises in the industry, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in receiving him in the coming days. We are all looking forward to keep observing the progress of Project ETHOS in the months to follow.

David

Experience of the New Leader

Brinkman currently holds the role of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for their flagship title. He previously was employed at Treyarch and Activision in diverse production roles on the Call of Duty series, and, before that, had stints at 2K and Electronic Arts.

Game Information and Concept

The upcoming game was announced in October 2024 together with a community playtest. Then, 31st Union described the title as a "free-to-play, third-person perspective roguelike hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in real-time to fit your unique tactics," the official summary explains. "Take on the competition with new abilities, challenges, and tests that shift every match. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively go big, put it on the line, and pray your team can earn top ranking? The decision is in your hands."

The game lacks an confirmed debut schedule or platforms, but fans can expect additional details as development advances.